Search for a Wounded Buffalo 75 



go in pursuit of the buffaloes. I overtake them and 

 shoot two at hazard that is, without having had 

 time to select them for the beauty of their horns. 

 The vegetation is so thick that one cannot 

 see buffaloes : only portions of them can be seen 

 vaguely here and there through the grass almost 

 everywhere. I wound a third, and as he leaves the 

 herd we go in pursuit of him. To follow a wounded 

 buffalo in this compact brushwood is dangerous work, 

 and we need all our coolness and presence of mind. 

 Kambombe and the water-carrier 1 keep a look-out 

 from the tops of trees. As to ourselves, we make 

 more use of their eyes than our own. We follow 

 the blood-stained path, and at each step we question 

 with a look those who see on our behalf what is 

 happening around and in front. 



In the case of a rhinoceros or an elephant one is 

 put on one's guard ; one snorts violently, the other 

 rends the air with its loud trumpeting or grunts with 

 pain. The buffalo begins by remaining motion- 

 less and silent, so motionless that you would mistake 

 it for an overturned tree or any other similar object. 

 He holds his breath and keeps his ears well open in 

 order to perceive your arrival. Should he hear you 

 he does not stir. It is only when you are within 

 range that he throws himself upon you, and it is 

 generally too late for you to avoid him. Such, at 

 least, is his demeanour in the bush. On open, 

 or fairly open ground, he is forced to begin his 



1 The one who usually carries the water-bottles. During the 

 rainy season he carries food, etc. 



